2024 Lexus GX Luxury 3-Row SUV: The Wait is Over, and It Was Worth It
Everyone is excited for this redesigned luxury off-roader: The Lexus GX 3-row SUV has more comfort, more luxuries and now, an uber-capable Overtrail edition
It’s boxy, crisp, and angular, just what an SUV needs to be.
When I first saw the redesigned 2024 Lexus GX, I had to catch my breath.
It’s stunning.
And not what I expected at all. It’s starkly boxy. It’s an angular assembly of crisp lines and sharp corners. It’s tall and more off-road capable than ever. And it’s exactly what it needs to be.
First, just take a look at it. Dressed in camo-esque taupe and black, a color Lexus calls Incognito, the prototype we got to crawl through showed off the new look in the GX’s newest edition, the Overtrail.
You can see Lexus understands what GX owners intend to do with this SUV: the Overtrail version, which is the top of the line, features black cladding over the wheel wells, fixed running boards and black roof rails, all of which lend to off-roading, camping and trail running.
Then, it has oversized tires — 33”— and will feature off-roading goodies like crawl control, off road drive modes and 3D terrain monitor, which allows you to see the ground around you, whether it’s sharp rocks just below or a bicycle left in the driveway.
Related: How does the other new full size Lexus SUV, the 2024 Lexus TX, compare?
Everything We Loved about the Lexus GX
Inside, while the 2024 GX is fully redesigned, designers managed to retain the things we love. The seats are ample and covered in leather. The gear shifter is a solid lever that you wrap your hand around and pull into gear. 4WD functions and drive modes are centrally placed in the command center. There are buttons and dials for things you might want fast access to — such as radio volume.
And then, there’s this: We loved the V8 engine in prior GX models, but the 2024 model follows the Toyota/Lexus strategy of smaller but more powerful engines. This model will carry a V6 twin turbo that generates 349 HP; the V8 in prior models only generated 301 HP, so that’s quite an improvement. And, Lexus promises that a hybrid version will hit the market sometime after the twin turbo is introduced.
Related: What we loved about the prior model, the Lexus GX 460
Lexus Didn’t Forget the Pampering
Still, GX plans to pamper its passengers. Options in its 6 trim levels — Premium, Luxury and Overtrail, each with a + version too (so, Premium, Premium+) — include massaging vented and heated front seats. Front seats also sit a bit higher from the floor for better posture and visibility.
Other options include head up display, a cool box in the center console, digital key, premium interior upholstery and Mark Levinson premium sound.
Related: How does the Lexus LX 600 Luxury SUV compare?
A Whole New Take on Tech
Lexus has spent the last two years and a ton of money and research on upgrading its technology. The 2024 GX comes with the latest version of the multimedia system and driver information displays. It features “Hey Lexus” voice activated assistance and a touch screen with music, media, navigation, vehicle functions and more.
It also features several subscription services, such as enhanced navigation and streaming audio that is built into your system — sign in to your account right on the touch screen— that give owners even more capability and connection.
Rear Seat Configurations Offer a Lot of Options for Families
Families are big fans of the GX and for good reason: in addition to the off-road capability, it’s comfortable for kids and pets. The 2024 GX embraces that idea with lots of options: Buyers can choose between center row captains chairs or bench seating for 3, and all seats have nice amenities.
Center row passengers have access to sun screens on the side windows, USB ports, cup holders, climate control and air vents.
The 3rd row — yes, there’s a 3rd row!— seats two passengers and will have USB ports and cupholders. We weren’t able to see the 3rd row for exact details; the model we looked at was the Overtrail, the only model without 3rd row seating.
However, this is what we learned: Lexus says that second row seats will be push-button tumble forward for 3rd row access, and if it’s anything like the Lexus LX, families with kids in car seats should look at the captain chair option versus the bench, as car seats installed in the outboard seats may need to be removed for 3rd row access.
However, for growing families who start with 3 car seats in the center, then have one child graduate to no car seat, this may work by leaving one outboard seat empty; that way the older child can choose between sitting in the center and 3rd rows.
A Few More Key Details
- The 2024 Lexus GX is 2.75” longer than the prior model
- It’s expected to tow up to 8,000 lbs.
- There will be a hybrid version later — hopefully in 2024
- The GX goes on sale in early 2024
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard
- Wireless phone charger pad is standard
- Lexus Safety System 3.0
Built on the same platform as the Lexus LX, you might expect the GX, which has yet to be priced, to be a mini-me version of the largest SUV Lexus builds, but it’s not. Its lines are not as rounded and sloped as the LX, and while it’s large, it doesn’t feel as full-size-truck as the LX.
What the Lexus GX does feel like is a more luxe version of (what we hope) the 4Runner (will be) for its high ground clearance, squared-off proportions, off road capability and badass looks. Just what we want the GX to be.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Lexus for this preview. Accommodations were provided but all opinions are my own.
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Categorized:Car Culture